The Panther A project

[mark lawson]

I received my Panther today, all boxes have been unpacked and checked but it may be a few weeks before I even start the build.

[Christoffer Ahlfors]

So, how do you stop yourself from starting out NOW?

Cheers,
/Chris

[Tim Page]

Mark is wanting to get his 222 finished so he has something to run while he builds the panther.
Tim

[mark lawson]

As Tim says I have to finish the Sd.Kfz.222 first, I have a policy of one model at a time that way I can concentrate on what I’m building but rest assured I know exactly what I’m building with the Panther all the research has been done.

[mark lawson]

I have made a bit of a start on my Panther A build more because a few people have asked for the front vent under the gun travel lock as the kit part is from the Panther G so must be replaced, looking through Panzertracts No.5-2 there are at least 2 different sized vents made by a number of different manufacturers some have no casting marks some have markings such as 1oz, Kmy (Eisenwerk Oberdonau) or bnd (M.A.N Nürnberg) plus others that I have seen.
The part will be completely made from scratch using the Jentz drawings and many pictures there are variations in the shape depending on where this vent was cast, first picture is a ground dug relic.

Next picture is after turning on the lathe milling the underside before spending time final shaping with Mr Proxxon.


The plan is to have this cast in brass if there is enough interest, the vent is designed to fit under both standard and Steve Winstone gun travel locks, I will show more pictures for comments.

[Steve Norris]

Nice one Mark, put me down for one when they are ready
Regards
Steve

[mark lawson]

Hi Steve, I will place you on the list.

In the meantime Mr Proxxon has been busy with the final shaping, there is still more to do tomorrow. This is the progress sofar, body panels have just been roughly placed as has the gun travel lock this will give you an idea of the part once I’m happy with the shape I will add casting numbers and a cast effect, new holes will have to be re-drilled to fit this vent.

[mark lawson]

I spent a bit of time today with Mr Proxxon again altering the shape of the vent slightly as I wasn’t quite happy; today the shape is far better so I added casting numbers bxe (Bochumer Verein) then a cast finish.
The end of the week I will be taking it to my caster who will have some cast in about 3 weeks.

[Tim Page]

That looks really good Mark.
This is one of the bits ive been looking for to complete my early Panther G which would have had this part fitted.

Cheers
Tim

[Robert E Morey]

Mark
Great to see another Panther A started. Your vent looks great! I'd like one for my Panther A. Put me down for one as well.
Nice job.
Bob

[mark lawson]

Tim I have added you to the list.
Bob I have also added you to the list.

The Panther will be some months before I start as I have to complete the 222 first.

[mark lawson]

My latest offering from Werkstatt – 5, Cast in brass built to scale and fully detailed front crew vent that sits under the travel lock of a Panther D, A it’s also the same vent fitted to the turret roof of Jagdpanther G1/G2, this is a replacement for the original Armortek part complete with casting numbers bxe (Bochumer Verein) each vent comes complete with screws and nuts, parts are ready to post.

Cost £25 each plus postage and packing

Please PM or email your order to werkstatt.five@gmail.com

[mark lawson]

I have had the Panther A kit and many aftermarket parts sat in my workshop for a few years so it must be time to start the build.

I have always had an interest in February 1944 A models assembled at the M.A.N factory owing to their unusual features, these features only seen on M.A.N assembled Panther A
These features include;
Kugleblende MG ball in the front plate
Early engine inspection plate without the towing brackets
Vertical 20 tone short jack
Exhausts without the cooling pipes
Some February 44 Panther still had road wheels with intermixed bolts and rivets

This is the picture that sparked my interest Fgst.Nr.210718 found on page 72-73 “Panther tank, the quest for combat supremacy”

[mark lawson]

As this particular Panther was sent to the eastern front I had to search for pictures in Normandy or a surviving example, I managed to find both.

The Panther I found and will build is Panther 321 from Panzer Regiment 3/2. Panzer Division.
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Panther 321 was lost during operation Epsom 28th June 1944 just outside Rauray this Panther along with Panther 302 (slightly later M.A.N variant) also from 2.Pz.Div and 2 Tiger I from s.SS.Pz.Abt.101 were captured by the British.

To date I have not yet found out who the commander of 321 was though I have some possible candidates;
Leutnant Wiedenbrück
Leutnant Von Krauß
Leutnant Von Neffzern (KIA 6/7/1944 ruling this man out)
The search for this commander continues

[mark lawson]

After being captured the British wanted to press the 2 Panther and 2 Tiger into service but this was denied by high command Panther 321, 302 and Tiger 114 were used in firing trials, Panther 321 and 302 were sent to Isigny/Balleroy July/Aug 1944 and were used by the Americans to test the effects of 17Pdr and 76mm antitank rounds.
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